20180110.0430

The Scald split apart into bands,
Each into one lieutenant’s hands
Save for one corps
That numbered five score
That stayed at the leader’s demands.

20180109.0430

Eight years ago today, I married the woman of my dreams--then and now. Then, as now, I was struck by her beauty and her goodness, as well as her willingness--even eagerness--to join her life to mine and allow me into hers. Then, as now, I was humbled by it and pushed to be a better person because of it. Then, as now, I was happy because I had her with me--happy as I had not been before.

So, although I say it daily and more, and although I do everything I can to show the truth of it in addition, I say this now again and before all who will hear it:

I love you, Sonya!

Happy anniversary!

May we have many more!

20180108.0430

Such now moved against the town
Where Erdewyn had some renown
And, once, her master,
Old Oðoæster,
Had decided he would settle down.

20180107.0430

So was it that the Scald was feared
By all of the places it neared.
That, and because
The Scald’s practice was
To leave the towns behind it seared.

20180106.0430

Because the Scald’s leader had done
Such a thing, and made to run
An invading force,
That one chose a course
Different than the Scald had begun.

20180105.0430

Once, it had happened before
That the Scald went in, sure of its score
And was put to rout,
Fled to redoubt,
And there, the leader had taken o’er.

20180104.0430

Their leader, the Scald would not send
To bring the town’s best to an end.
Their leader did know
To keep more than show
And against off chance to defend.

20180103.0430

What’s more, the town’s spirits they’d break
Before they’d all of value take,
Calling for the best
There to meet their test,
And thirsty dirt with blood they’d slake.

20180102.0430

They would encircle the town;
They had force enough to surround
The whole of the place
And command the whole space
Before they would burn the thing down.

20180101.0001

Now, once again has come Hangover Day,
And many are feeling the urge to pray
To the Porcelain God, for their pain to allay,
But I do not suffer on Hangover Day.

I've been to the parties, and I've paid the price.
Now I go no more, and I find it nice
To not have to feel that my head's in a vice.
For me, the day will likely pass in a trice.

I do not begrudge those who will go out
And, driven by drink, cavort, smile, and shout,
But that is not for me; of that, I've no doubt.
I face Hangover Day far from in rout.